Mike Ruiz...Likes His Party Loud!

Only celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz could pleasantly bring Friday night clubland to a halt. The multi-media marvel (known for his photo work, Ruiz has also recently turned his attention to a budding fashion label) captured the dance floor at XL Nightclub & Cabaret in New York City to celebrate his birthday! Surrounded by close friends and colleagues, plus a bevy of lively beefcake from the pages of his coffee table photo book "Pretty Masculine," the community raised a glass to toast one of our most cherished and outspoken members.

On the arm of his fiancee Martin Berusch, who had more than a little to do with coordinating the evening’s festivities, Ruiz arrived at the 42nd Street hotspot and was also accompanied by one of his biggest fans, his dad. Mr. Ruiz has often been seen sharing the spotlight with the handsome couple, always displaying sincere affection and support of his out loud and proud celebrity son. Before entering the transformed cabaret space, Ruiz posed for pictures with his guests, including pop-sensation Erika Jayne looking impeccably gorgeous, and Peace Bisquit label president Bill Coleman who worked his magic for the night’s musical guests.

Life of the Party

The cast of the XL Cabaret’s "Hot Mess" - Bianca Del Rio presided over the evening jokingly roasting the man of the hour on his "75th birthday" gathering. A diva-studded line-up included singer/songwriter Janice Robinson ("Dreamer"), and the incredible Jason Walker who blew the audience away with his rendition of the Taylor Dayne classic "Tell It To My Heart," before introducing a serenade by her majesty, the legendary Martha Wash. In between those stellar performances, Del Rio’s "Hot Mess" cohorts collected donations for the Ali Forney Center, the charitable organization that Ruiz supports with his annual fete.

Before the evening’s surprise (but not really) headliner took the stage, underground dance scene darlings, The Ones stole the show with their electrifying performance. The trio was the perfect intro to the act that everyone had come to see. Premiering her new single "I Like It Loud" featuring Bill Hamel, the delicious Carmen Electra finally appeared after having caused a fandomium deadlock on the red carpet. Her high-voltage antics easily heralded her return to music. Not since her popular early 90’s Prince-produced debut album that featured her hit "Go-Go Dancer" has the pin-up girl released new music.

Biggest Night Yet...

Looking taut and ready for a comeback, Electra struck a pose as the birthday cake (fat-free for sure) was presented to Mike Ruiz. Grateful for all the support he has received from friends and family, Ruiz thanked the crowd for coming out and continually supporting the Ali Forney Center, then finally released the club so that the XL Friday night "Rockit" with DJ Escape at the turntables could launch. DJ Whitney Day had the honor of spinning the decks for the partygoers.

It was another incredible year and a cherished event that Mike Ruiz has turned into one of the most anticipated parties of the season. The annual birthday gathering, which has always benefitted the Ali Forney Center, grows by leaps and bounds. The only prominent member missing was the couple’s recent rescue, their pit bull Oliver. Maybe next year, Ollie! Happy Birthday Mike!

To support the Ali Forney Center, now in its greatest time of need, please visit www.aliforneycenter.org and make a donation. In the wake of Superstorm Sandy the Ali Forney’s downtown Drop-In Center was terribly compromised. It is one of the city’s only safe havens for its homeless LGBT youth seeking shelter.

Carmen Electra’s new single "I LIke It Loud" featuring Bill Hamel is now available as a digital download.

Keep checking back for the EDGE exclusive photo album capturing all the action on the red carpet and inside behind the velvet rope taking you right into the party of the season.

Native New Yorker JC Alvarez is a pop-culture enthusiast and the nightlife chronicler of the club scene and its celebrity denizens from coast-to-coast. He is the on-air host of the nationally syndicated radio show "Out Loud & Live!" and is also on the panel of the local-access talk show "Talking About".

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